Prepare for Your SI Joint and Trochanteric Bursa Injection

A sacroiliac joint injection or trochanteric bursa injection is a procedure in which the radiologist inserts a needle into the ordered location and a steroid is injected. You will lie on your stomach on the fluoroscopy table (a special type of x-ray). The radiologist will cleanse the area and inject a numbing medication. Once the needle is in the space, a long acting anti-inflammatory steroid (Depo Medrol) mixed with an anesthetic is injected.

The Depo Medrol decreases the inflammation within the soft tissues (joint or bursa) and may provide pain relief for a period of time. The pain relief may not be immediate, it may take up to two weeks for you to feel the full effects of the medication.

The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. After the procedure is complete, you will be taken back to the nursing area. If you feel fine, you may leave.

Preparation:

If there is any possibility that you may be pregnant, please inform your doctor and / or the radiology nurse.

You can expect to be contacted by a nurse to explain preparation instructions 2-3 days before your appointment. Be prepared to share a list of your medications and allergies (including contrast allergies). If you take any type of blood thinners, anti-coagulants, or diabetic medications, please contact the nurse at least one week before your appointment (or as soon as you know about the appointment).

Do not eat or drink anything for two hours prior to your appointment time.

You can expect to be here approximately one hour.

You will receive additional verbal aftercare instructions before you go home.

If you have any questions, please ask your doctor who is ordering the procedure or call612-879-1528 and talk with the radiology nurse.

SI Joint and Trochanteric Bursa Injection is only available at MDC Minneapolis.